Sterlingfest rocks with music lineup

In the 30-plus years Sterlingfest Art and Music Fair in Sterling Heights has been in existence, it has carved out a reputation for providing a solid variety of entertainment, ranging from classic rock to blues to

Top 40, mixing in local talent with national traveling tribute artists.

Now in its 33rd year, the festival, which runs July 25-27 at City Center Campus, is expected to draw approximately 150,000 people.

For the true music fan, there is the Concentra Jazz and Blues stage, while Sterling Heights Regional Chamber of Commerce & Industry’s Suds n’ Sounds Tent offers several of the area’s best bar and nightclub Top 40 bands.

The Dodge Park Headline Stage will present three tribute bands and local opening acts, and the Coach’s Ice Cream Kidzfest area will keep youngsters entertained with music, magic, jugglers and animals.

“We try to keep it all fun music,” said Mike Crimmins, a broadcasting services manager for the city who scouts and books the entertainers.

“I try to bring in new acts every year but we also want to keep some of the bands that have become festival favorites. It’s a tough balancing act because I want to keep the music fresh and also want to let people see their favorite bands.”

Instead of booking expensive national acts, Sterlingfest opts for tribute bands which provide the music of classic rockers at a fraction of the cost.

Satisfaction, a Rolling Stones tribute act, will kick off the event on July 25, followed by Panama, in a Van Halen salute on July 26; and a Tom Petty tribute called Free Fallin’ on July 27.

The Suds n’ Sounds Tent - which has unofficially has become the epicenter of high school and family reunions - has several local bands that have developed strong followings. Those include country singer Joey Vee, Under Pressure, and The Shy, featuring Bob Livernois, superintendent of Warren Consolidated

Schools on bass. In a reflection of its hometown feel, Sterlingfest organizers try to snare local talent whenever possible - and there’s plenty of it in and around Sterling Heights.

Such is the case for Kathleen Murray, a Sterling Heights vocalist who has developed a loyal fan base with her musical projects in recent years. She fronts a duet called Soul Commission and leads a pop-funk band called the Groove Council.

Her latest artistic collaboration is the five-piece Kathleen Murray Band, appearing 5-8 p.m. July 26 on the Jazz/Blues Stage.

Murray, who grew up in Clinton Township and lives with her family in Sterling Heights, is known for her husky, full-throated vocal style. She has worked with many of Motown’s musical heavyweights in recent years including Bob Seger saxman Alto Reed.

“My new band is more of a rocking-blues, a little more edgy than Groove Council,” Murray said. “One common thread between the two is that it has a soul feel. It’s still all about soul, that’s where my heart is.”

The band includes drummer Bob Bowman, guitarist Mike Ferencz, Tony Jaworski on keyboards and Chuck Bartels working the bass.

Prior to Sterlingfest, Murray and Groove Council will rock the Blue Water Fest in Port Huron on July 19 and Ernie’s in Clinton Township on July 20.

In addition to entertainment, Sterlingfest features an art show, carnival, children’s activities, a restaurant row, and other attractions.

Festival hours are 10 a.m.-11 p.m. July 25-27 at City Center Campus on Utica Road at Dodge Park Road. Free parking is available at Stevenson High School, Walsh Elementary, Davis Junior High, and Heritage Junior High. A shuttle service is available for $1 per person. A complete list of entertainment